Railways finish on winning note

Indian Railways ensured they didn’t exit from the tournament without a win by defeating Maharashtra.

Indian Railways ensured they didn’t exit from the tournament without a win, defeating Maharashtra 102-82 in an exciting league match of the Savio Cup all-India basketball tournament at the Don Bosco School, Matunga, on Thursday.

Railways, undergoing a rebuilding process under coach Sat Prakash Yadav, were put under pressure by the young Maharashtra side in the third quarter and even trailed 53-58 at one juncture, before their experience saw them pull clear and increase their lead in the closing stages of the match.

Having lost three matches, Railways were already out of the reckoning for the next stage and were playing for pride. They raced to a 26-17 lead in the first quarter, which they increased to 44-21 at half time. Egged on by a vociferous crowd, Maharashtra captain Siddhant Shinde and Raj Kalbhor led the fight back. But they could not maintain the momentum. With the experienced Prakash Mishra leading the way, Railways were back in lead and emerged comfortable winners in the end. Mishra was the top scorer for Railways with 22 points, while Sunil Kumar (20) and Gagandeep (19) made useful contributions.